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    ART FOR A CAUSE: Robyn Lardner and Peter Robertson are pictured with an artwork that will appear at the Horsham Rotary Art Fair, which this year will raise money for The Wesley. Horsham Rural City Council and local community groups are fundraising in a bid to restore and re-open the former performing arts centre – so raising almost $600,000 of a $1-million target. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Rotary Art Fair raises money for Wesley

Horsham East Rotary Club is raising money for The Wesley re-open fundraising campaign with its 46th annual Wimmera Art Fair.

The club uses the fair to raise money for Horsham-based groups and charities – so far about $200,000 has supported Horsham’s hospital, town hall and aquatic centre, among others over the years.

Art show chair Peter Robertson said last year’s fair raised about $8000.

“We’re hoping to build on that this year, and we encourage everybody that has even a passing interest in art to come along and have a look,” he said.



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“The art fair committee has worked hard to build on last year’s success and this year will see an expanded number of exhibits and diversity of art works from artists in the regional art community. 

“Paintings in a variety of mediums remain the cornerstone of the fair – we have some magnificent watercolours, landscapes, portraits, pretty much everything that you think of. It’s quite a diverse range of categories. 

“The fair will also feature a range of photographic exhibits and examples of local pottery.”

Mr Robertson said Where Art Meets Nature chief executive Pippa Mott has accepted an invitation to judge the fair. 

Ms Mott is respected in the Australian art scene through her roles at the Woollahra Gallery, Museum of Old and New Art and completing academic training at the Institute of Fine Arts, New York University.

“Prizes this year will be awarded for best bay in show, best artwork in show, the people’s choice, and in recognition of this growing section of the fair, best photograph in show,” Mr Robertson said.

Ms Mott will be available to meet with artists immediately after the judging to discuss their works.

Mr Robertson said the show’s sponsors were critical to the success of the fair.

“Our new sponsor, WIM Resource, and all our major sponsors provide practical support and access to resources that allow the club to engage with the region’s art community and promote the event to the community,” he said.

“We also have a raffle, which will support the art fair, giving people the chance to win a jewellery voucher or a Case IH 12-volt children’s tractor and trailer – both valued at $825. 

“Tickets are being sold at Horsham Plaza until the opening of the fair and from the door during the week of the fair.

“The event has always been well-supported by the local community and I would encourage everyone to support the event.”

All art works are available to purchase. 

“Although entries are closed for this year. For next year’s fair we’ll encourage anyone that’s interested to please get in touch with rotarian Gary Green, and we’ll furnish people the details in an entry form for next year,” Mr Robertson said.

All proceeds from this year’s art fair will support the restoration and re-opening of Horsham’s landmark arts venue.

The fair will open to the public on Wednesday, October 9 at 1pm and close on Sunday, October 13 at 3pm. 

Entry is $5, with children entering free of charge.

People can find more information by calling Mr Green or visiting www.facebook.com/HorshamEastRotaryArtFair.

The entire October 2, 2024 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire October 2, 2024 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!